Syria arrests 14 in attempt to block news

New York,
February 16, 2012--The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by the
arrests of 14 journalists, bloggers, and press freedom activists with the
Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM). The group has played a
key role in getting out information about daily developments in Syria as
foreign journalists are virtually banned from the country.

"These arrests are a blatant attempt to
close off a vital source of information not only for Syrians but for the
international media," said CPJ Deputy Director Robert Mahoney. "Anyone,
whether a professional journalist or citizen with a mobile phone, who dares to
report on the unrest in Syria is in danger of arrest or physical violence. Damascus
should immediately release all those detained and stop its brutal crackdown."

Mazen Darwish, the director of SCM, was arrested along with
13 others when security forces raided the organization's office in
Damascus on Thursday, according to media
reports. Among those arrested with Darwish was his wife, Yara Badr,
U.S.-born blogger Razan
Ghazzawi, and freelance journalist Hanadi
Zahlout, according to regional
news reports.